Lounging in the sand on the beach... watching fireworks from a boat on the lake... smoking babyback ribs... dripping icy cold watermelon... cherub faces glowing over sparklers -- The celebration of our country's birthday has got to be the most fun party there is. And it should be. The freedom we have as Americans enables us to enjoy life abundantly.

I wish I could tell you I did all of those things this past weekend. But, I spent my Independence Day weekend in the retail world. It's a hobby of millions of ladies, but I am not one of them. So, I was not jubilant when my youngest son received his first paycheck from this year's summer job. The money was burning a hole in his pocket bigger than any firecracker ever could.

All over the CSRA we trekked -- to stores that sell sporting goods, games and game systems, music that is only tolerated by teen-aged ears and clothes that only a teenager would wear. These stores do not claim discounts or boast of "freedom from high prices" sales.

But all was not lost. By the end of the weekend, Kevin's face was glowing with "new stuff" sparkle, and I managed to find some things for myself. And the mall did sell barbecue and lemonade.

My family enjoyed a safe and happy holiday, but others were not so fortunate.

In the Augusta news, I saw that one family lost their soldier to the war, and another couple was murdered. In Thomson, we suffered the loss of a friend through a tragic accident.

The entire community was shocked and grieved to learn of the gas line explosion at the McCorkle's home.

I did not know Jason McCorkle, but when I saw his age and picture so similar to that of my oldest son, I was overwhelmed with the sorrow that family is going through. It's no secret that the McCorkle family is a close family. That was obvious to me when Paul McCorkle was running for the county commission seat.

My prayer is that God will help them continue to lean on Him and each other to face each day.